Oman is one of the most welcoming and relaxed countries in the Gulf, and Omanis are famously polite and hospitable. A few simple habits will help you fit in, avoid awkward moments and get more out of your trip. This guide covers the customs and practicalities that visitors to Muscat ask about most.
Dress
The rule is modesty. Men and women should cover shoulders and knees in public places, in shops and in towns, and loose, lightweight clothing is the sensible choice in the heat. Women do not have to wear an abaya or a headscarf in the street, but a light scarf is useful for mosques and rural villages. Swimwear is for the hotel pool and the beach resorts, not for the street, and in wadis and public beaches it is best to swim in more modest clothing.
Visiting mosques
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque admits non-Muslim visitors on set mornings from Saturday to Thursday and is closed to visitors on Friday. Everyone must cover arms, legs and, for women, hair, and shoes come off before the prayer hall. Speak quietly, never photograph people at prayer and follow the guides’ instructions. Other mosques are generally not open to non-Muslims, so ask before entering.
Fridays and the working week
Friday is the main day of rest and prayer, and the weekend in Oman runs from Friday to Saturday. On Fridays many shops open late, some museums and attractions change their hours or close, and the roads are quiet in the morning. Plan day trips and beach time for Friday, and save museums and the Grand Mosque for other days. Many shops close for a break in the early afternoon and reopen in the evening, especially in the souqs.
Ramadan
During the holy month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and visitors should not eat, drink or smoke in public during the day. Restaurants may open only after sunset, hotels usually serve food discreetly for guests, and opening hours of shops, museums and offices change. The evenings are lively, with family gatherings and special meals. Dress even more modestly, keep music low and avoid loud behaviour. Check the dates in advance because they move each year, and expect some attractions to run on shorter hours.
Greetings and manners
A handshake and a smile go a long way. Between men and women who are not related, it is polite to wait for the other person to offer a hand. Use your right hand for eating, passing items and shaking hands, since the left is traditionally considered unclean. If you are offered coffee and dates, accept at least one cup, and shake the cup gently from side to side when you have had enough. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women, and respect a refusal. Do not photograph military sites, government buildings, airports or police. Drones require a permit and should not be flown without one, so check the rules before you bring one. Mosques may restrict photography in some areas.
Alcohol
Alcohol is served in licensed hotels and some restaurants, and it is not sold in ordinary shops. Drinking in public and drunken behaviour are not tolerated, and driving after drinking is strictly forbidden. If you are invited into a home, do not offer alcohol.
Money and tipping
The currency is the Omani rial, divided into 1,000 baisa. It is among the highest-valued currencies in the world and is pegged to the US dollar, so prices in rials look small but add up. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and restaurants, but carry cash for souqs, taxis, small shops and rural stops. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: a few rials for a guide or driver, and a small amount in restaurants where service is not already included, is fine. Bargaining is normal in the souqs, so do it with a smile and no pressure.
Getting around
Taxis are the easiest option, and ride-hailing apps work in the city. Agree the fare first if the taxi has no meter. Buses are limited for visitors, and walking is pleasant only in small areas such as the Mutrah Corniche and Old Muscat. Hire cars are good for day trips, but drive carefully: speed cameras are common, fines are heavy and wadi roads can flood suddenly.
Health and heat
The sun is strong all year, so drink more water than you think you need, use sun cream and a hat, and plan outdoor activities for the morning and the evening in summer. Tap water is usually safe in the city, but many visitors prefer bottled water. Carry any medicines you need and keep them in their original packaging.
Local life and respect
Oman has a strong tradition of tolerance and courtesy, and visitors who respect local customs are repaid with warmth. Smile, learn a few words of Arabic such as shukran for thank you, and be patient with the slower rhythm of the day. Keep your plans flexible around prayer times and festivals, and enjoy the unhurried spirit of the city.
